Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Japan Deploys Troops Amid Surge in Bear Attacks

11/5/2025

50 11

Summary

Story summary

Japan's military deployed troops to Kazuno on November 5 to assist local authorities in managing a surge of bear attacks.
Over the past year, there have been more than 100 bear attacks in Japan, with 12 fatalities in Akita prefecture.
Bear sightings have risen six-fold to exceed 8,000 this year.
Rising bear populations, climate change, and rural depopulation drive encounters; the military last aided wildlife control about a decade ago.

1 of 1

Story summary

Japan's military deployed troops to Kazuno on November 5 to assist local authorities in managing a surge of bear attacks.
Over the past year, there have been more than 100 bear attacks in Japan, with 12 fatalities in Akita prefecture.
Bear sightings have risen six-fold to exceed 8,000 this year.
Rising bear populations, climate change, and rural depopulation drive encounters; the military last aided wildlife control about a decade ago.